Donald Trump Delivers His First State Of The Union Speech

President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address. Picture by: Susan Walsh/AP/Press Association Images

7:45 31 Jan 201898FM

Donald Trump Delivers His First State Of The Union Speech

Donald Trump has insisted there has "never been a better time to start living the American Dream" in his first State of the Union speech.

He delivered the annual presidential address to a joint session of Congress - touching on issues such as taxes, trade deals and the fight against Islamic State.

He hailed a 'new American moment', claiming that unemployment had hit a 45-year low - adding that the numbers of African-American jobless stands at the lowest rate ever recorded.

Mr Trump also said he was "extending an open hand" to political rivals in the Democratic party.

That suggestion was welcomed by prominent Republicans such as House Speaker Paul Ryan:

.@POTUS said it right—the state of our union is strong. He laid out a clear agenda tonight with an open hand toward bipartisan cooperation. Together, we can continue making America safer and stronger for the 21st century. pic.twitter.com/zQi7naDVFk

In the official party response, Democratic Congressman Joe Kennedy - son of Robert F Kennedy - said: "The American promise is being broken. By an Administration that callously appraises our worthiness and decides who makes the cut and who can be bargained away."

He added: "Bullies may land a punch. They might leave a mark. But they have never, not once, in the history of our United States, managed to match the strength and spirit of a people united in defence of their future."